Inter- And intra-rater variability of testing velocity when assessing lower limb spasticity

Abstract

Objective: To establish the variability of fast testing velocity and joint range of motion and position when assessing lower-limb spasticity in individuals following neurological injury. Design: Observational study of people with lower-limb spasticity. Subjects: Patients with an upper motor neurone lesion (n=35) and clinicians experienced in spasticity assessment (n=34) were included. Methods: The Modified Tardieu scale (MTS) was completed on the quadriceps, hamstrings (2 positions), gastrocnemius and soleus for each participant’s more affected lower limb by 3 assessors. Mean absolute differences (MADs) were used to calculate variability as a measure of reliability. Results: Variability of p..